If you run a small business, you might think that building an SMS list is only something larger companies can afford to do. However, building an SMS list can be a cost-effective and efficient way to engage with your clients, which can help advertise your products or services and develop brand loyalty.
What is an SMS list?
An SMS list is a database of phone numbers that you can use to send text messages to your customers. By building an SMS list, you can contact your customers with promotions, special offers, and important updates. Businesses often use SMS lists to promote sales, advertise new products or services, and provide information about events or promotions.
Why are SMS lists important for SMEs?
SMS marketing can be a powerful method to connect with your customers since it lets you directly message them on their mobile phones. Unlike other marketing methods, SMS messages are typically read shortly after they’re sent, making them very effective for promoting time-sensitive offers or deals.
For small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), SMS marketing can be an efficient and cost-effective way to engage with your customers. SMS marketing campaigns can be highly targeted, meaning you can reach out to specific customer groups with messages tailored to their interests or needs.
Steps to construct an SMS list for your business
Here are some steps you need to follow to build an SMS list for your business:
1. Determine your target audience:
Before building your SMS list, you must know who you’re targeting. Who are your customers? What are their needs and preferences? Understanding your specific audience will help you customize your messages to their interests and increase their chances of engaging with your content.
2. Get permission from your customers:
SMS marketing is a highly personal form of communication, and it’s vital to ensure your customers’ consent before sending them messages. The easiest way is to ask customers to opt into your SMS list when they purchase, visit your website, or subscribe to your email list. Ensure they understand what they’re signing up for and how often they’ll receive your messages.
3. Choose the right SMS provider:
There are many SMS providers available, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in the success of your SMS marketing campaign. Look for a provider that offers a user-friendly interface, easy message creation, and a robust analytics platform. You should also ensure the provider has a good reputation and a track record of delivering messages quickly and reliably.
4. Create compelling messages:
Crafting compelling messages is essential for capturing your audience’s attention and driving engagement. Keep your messages concise and focused, delivering value with every word. Aim for quality over quantity, providing timely and reliable content that goes with your audience’s interests and needs.
Incorporate a clear call to action in each message, guiding recipients on the desired next steps, whether visiting your website, purchasing, or signing up for a webinar. Creating compelling messages prioritizing clarity, relevance, and action can effectively communicate your brand’s value proposition and inspire meaningful interactions with your audience.
5. Segment your list:
Segmenting email lists allows you to tailor your messages to specific audience segments, increasing their relevance and effectiveness. Targeted campaigns that resonate with each group are created by dividing your subscribers based on location, purchase history, and preferences. For example, you can send location-specific promotions to customers in different geographic regions or recommend products based on past purchases.
This level of personalization improves engagement and fosters a stronger connection with your audience. Additionally, segmenting your list enables you to understand customers’ needs and behaviours, allowing you to refine your marketing strategies and drive better results. Segmentation is a powerful tool for maximizing email marketing efforts and nurturing more robust customer relationships.
6. Measure your results:
Assessing the outcomes of your SMS marketing endeavours is crucial for understanding the effectiveness of your campaigns and refining your strategies for improved results. Observing open, click-through and conversion rates offers valuable insights into how your audience interacts with your messages. The open rate signifies the percentage of recipients who open your messages, providing insight into your campaign’s reach and the efficacy of your subject lines.
Meanwhile, the click-through rate gauges the proportion of recipients engaging with links embedded within your messages, indicating their level of interest and engagement. Lastly, the conversion rate unveils the proportion of recipients who complete the intended action after receiving your SMS, be it making a purchase, subscribing to a newsletter, or visiting your website.
By scrutinizing these metrics, you can pinpoint areas for enhancement, hone your messaging, and tailor your campaigns to better resonate with your audience. Regularly evaluating and interpreting your results empowers you to make informed decisions and drive continuous progress in your SMS marketing endeavours.
7. Keep your list clean:
Keeping your SMS list clean is essential for maintaining the effectiveness of your marketing efforts and ensuring optimal deliverability. Regularly cleaning your list involves several essential steps. Firstly, periodically review your subscriber list to identify inactive or disengaged subscribers.
Additionally, regularly update your list by removing invalid or outdated phone numbers to prevent bounce-backs and improve delivery rates. Implement a process for handling opt-outs promptly, ensuring subscribers who no longer wish to receive messages are swiftly removed from your list to maintain compliance with regulations and preserve the integrity of your SMS marketing campaigns.
Conclusion
Creating an SMS list for your small business is a smart move. It helps you talk to your customers and share exciting product or service updates. By following the steps we’ve outlined, you’ll be on your way to building a solid SMS list that gets results. Remember to keep it simple and focus on what your customers care about. Get their permission first, choose the right messages to send, and keep track of how well they’re doing. With a little effort, your SMS list can grow your business and keep your customers engaged.
